A few days consisted of routine trips to the garden or the archery range for Khutulun and Ivan; the matches were far more aggressive than Ivan was expecting. Khutulun was very skilled with the bow and would have beaten him every time had she not held back until Ivan got the better of her.

They were currently taking a walk in the garden while they talked. The conversation started with how Ivan's home city was doing, some things on how the castle came to be, and a bit about the culture.

"Do you know the name of this city Prince Ivan?" Khutulun asked, changing the topic to her home.

"Ah? I am afraid I do not." Ivan responds with a small smile, a bit annoyed at himself for not knowing a simple thing such as the name of the city he was currently taking his stay in. It was not often that he actually got to stay and spend time in a city however, since he was normally in a hurry to get to the next kingdom. "What is it?"

"It is called Infitias Fas." She grinned with pride and a bit of humor; not at all offended by Ivan's lack of knowledge of her home, just merely taking it in stride.

"What does it mean?" He asks curiously. The words sounded like they were from a dead language, though they could also just be from a lesser-known dialect of Vernal.

"Infitias Fas means 'To deny fate'." The princess said firmly as she struck a stiff pose, her head high and a fist over her heart. "As the people of Infitias Fas, we will not accept anything as fate. We make our lives, the world as we see it. Gods may watch us and teach us, but there is not a higher power to control what our lives will hold. We make the decision, not others."

"A most interesting and yet fitting name." Ivan had to agree that anyone would feel proud of their home with a name such as that.

"Do you like it?" The young princess asked as she began to smile again while they continued walking on.

"Indeed I do."

"Prince Ivan? Would you care to go horseback riding at noon?" She suggested, adding a change of pace to their courting.

"I would be delighted to, Princess Khutulun." He replies with a smile and a polite bow of his head. Besides, I don't think I could take another beating from you in archery. He thinks to himself in amusement.

)*(

Their ride turned into a race not long after they were in the woods beyond the back of the castle. The goal was to be the first one to reach the great ironwood tree that stood above the rest of the forest. While Ivan had done his best to beat her, he had underestimated the capability of her tiny steed.

Just when Ivan thought that the race ended there; as her horse came to a stop, Khutulun stood upon the saddle and lunged herself up into the tree. He honestly was a little lost at what she was doing and it was a bit like watching a wild cat jump from branch to branch. The dress she wore was certainly not slowing her down in the slightest.

The princess paused a few feet above where the prince was gawking her. At first she grinned down at him, then put on a bored look for show as she teased him. "Well? Are you just going to sit on your high horse or are you frightened of climbing a simple tree?" She cast her eyes to one of her hands, looking over her nails as if she was having tea with an uninteresting guest.

Ivan's eyebrow arched in amusement at the challenge; it was almost given in the very same way she would taunt him at the archery range. With a smirk, Ivan hopped off his horse and made his way to pull himself up the tree. Branch by branch, he climbed on up after the princess, though she made sure to be just two paces ahead of him.

"So, how about we talk about some more personal matters? Now that the prying eyes are gone." She offered.

Her words puzzled Ivan a little. Prying eyes? They were always alone when they were together. Who would be watching... the Queen? "Personal matters?" He repeats questioningly.

"Yes, such as... how old are you, dear suitor? I pray not so old that I am to never to get a child from you."

Ivan huffed softly before giving a small chuckle. "I assure you that hair as light as mine is a family trait rather than a sign of elder age. I am twenty-six and more than capable of giving my future Queen many children, I promise you that. However, that would also require the aid of a strong woman."

"Ha! It is always the older men that have levelheaded wit and mind. It is the younger that never get off their high horses or drop the flowery charm that makes weak women lose what is left of their dignity." She then hung herself upside-down by her legs alone, swinging in closer to Ivan just as he pulled himself a little higher. Her braided hair swung back and forth as she held herself steady, arms crossed, a smug look on her face. Ivan was not expecting the sudden closeness at all and for a moment, he felt a bit like he might fall off the branch beneath his feet. "Though with you, a suitable wife also must have fertile lands at your disposal."

Ivan licked his lips briefly before asking the very clear question being put before him. "And just how are your lands, dear Princess?" While it felt like a rather inappropriate way to address this matter, it was clear that Khutulun was making this out to be some sort of a game rather than a polite chat.

"In the sixteen years that it has been mine, not once has it been touched." An amused grin that spread from ear to ear appeared on her face as she watched a look of surprise appear on her suitor's. With his question answered, she re-hooked her legs in a way to pull herself upright swiftly, without the aid of her arms and then she continued the climb.

Ivan was definitely shocked at her answer; he couldn't believe that she was only sixteen! He had been so certain that she was above the age of twenty; her strength and knowledge seemed to be equal to that at least. He could only imagine what she must have been like at the ripe age of thirteen, the age at which marriage arrangements would usually begin. Surely, there had to have been other suitors that would have come to have her. Why didn't she belong to another yet?

"Does my youth bother you that much Prince Ivan? Do you have more interest in women nearer my mother's age?"

"Ah, no, no." He shook his head quickly and resumed scaling the tree after her. "That is not— I was not expecting you to be as young as you are and not yet betrothed."

This seemed to be a rather unfavorable subject for her as she sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, I have had many boys and men come for me. Yet, in the end, I have eventually turned away every one of them thus far."

"You? Not your mother?" While Ivan understood that the daughter had some say in her marriage in this family, he did not think that the decision would be left entirely up to her.

"Yes, I and only I get to decide if I will let a man have me. Certainly not a boy." Khutulun huffed and glanced back down at Ivan as if finally waiting for him to reach the same branch as her. When Ivan stood a branch across from her, his form was hunched almost lower than her due to the large limb hanging over his head. If Ivan had one word to describe the look on her face as his eyes met hers, it would be: provocative. Challenge was far too simple a word for this young woman. "You are not a boy, are you, Ivan?"

Before the air could settle between them, Ivan had moved onto the branch she was on and in almost the exact same spot that she stood in. He was standing at his full height and was close enough for there to be merely a hands width of space between them. His hands were placed against the trunk behind her, almost trapping her, but Khutulun did not back down an inch. It hadn't been more than a second since she'd spoken, but Ivan was fiercer than before, his gaze challenging her back. "Why don't you tell me?"

Speaking in Solstice just seemed to make his words sound more powerful and it appeared to have sent an interesting quiver through the princess. However, instead of replying, she seemed to have changed the topic randomly. "I am the very same as this tree, thin limbs and a body that is not all that daunting. Prince of Solstice, I have brought every single suitor that has passed the first two parts of my test to this tree, and do you know why? I do it because it seems to bring out the true nature of men.

A princess that climbs a tree and insults a prince by assuming he has fears, is considered childish and has no place on a throne; says one prince. I consider him a prat that has had everything given to him out of pity. Another thinks he has me bested while we are so far from the ground and with no way for me to run. I think he is a simpleton that holds his cock with too high of value, I do not need to run to protect myself. However..." She lightly glides a hand up his chest, slowly and without looking away from his gaze, before grabbing a tight fist full of his clothing. "Just now, you have done the same as the man before you, but remain the same as you are. Your true nature still holds firm; there is a storm beneath your skin, it thunders in the distance; patient, because it does not matter how long it takes or whom comes at you, your goal will be achieved."

Ivan thought that was a most interesting way of describing someone that you have only known for a little more than a few short days. Just how perceptive was this princess, or had she been spending much of her time studying his past? And if so... what for? Did she desire that greatly to be a part of the Solstice Kingdoms once more like her past relatives?

Before he could continue that thought, she spoke again, not yet finished. "Do you think you have me bested?"

"No. I think you have me right where you want me Princess Khutulun." Ivan replied as he placed his hand over the smaller hand that held onto the front of his clothing. Truthfully, she was a little too close to his neck and it was actually making him a little irritated; odd that, when past princesses had gotten too close, it made him a little apprehensive, not irritated. Khutulun kept her mouth shut for the moment, letting him explain just how she had him. "For starters, this is your territory. I have no doubt that you know where each of these branches begin and end. You have skillfully lured your target up high with the false sense of safety of it only being a game. It would take one sweep of your foot against my legs and I could be sent falling to my death. You've already shown me that your strongest asset is your legs, not your arms with that little show of you upside-down."

She was almost surprised that he knew all of this, yet was still here. No, he had done it all on purpose. It was certainly not a form of trust, but perhaps a display of his ability to know what his target's aim was. Or did he have her at her own game? "Do you understand why this tree's branches refuse to give out under our weight, regardless of how small of a branch we're on?" The princess quickly asked the man towering over her.

"Because it is an ironwood tree." He replied.

"Yes, but a tree is only a tree unless it has inherited traits from its bloodline."

"A strong bloodline is important to you." Ivan concluded. It made sense.

"A strong bloodline from no mere boy. I can't be the only one capable of making all the hard choices, taking all the risks..." And that was where she stopped speaking; even after waiting a moment, it appeared that she did not have anything else to say.

Whether or not it was a hint of invitation, Ivan took that moment to place a kiss upon her lips. A bit surprisingly, Khutulun did not pull away, nor did she knock his feet out from under him. No, she appeared to have taken it as a challenge in itself; aggressively biting and pulling at his bottom lip, while holding him in place for many more kisses before finally letting him break away.

What had meant to be more of a polite, chaste gesture, ended up leaving Ivan with a bruised lip and the taste of iron in his mouth. It wasn't like he couldn't have stopped her; it was just that he had let her, though he didn't see why she had to attack him. Perhaps he had gotten his customs mixed up again? No. She's familiar with Solstice customs. And yet she was the one who made it deeper. To tell the truth, he felt slightly offended. He brushed his lip with his thumb, and looking at the faint smear of red on it, he could only assume that he was meant to take it as a sign that she held an attraction or at least a fancy for him.

"You are most certainly a man, Prince Ivan." Her strong voice brought his eyes back up to see that she had a satisfied smile on her face. "But... we shall see yet if you are the man I am willing to give myself solely to. And do not concern yourself with what just transpired, you are the second man to have the guts to act, but the first to keep his lip intact." And with that she skillfully slipped from the branch and swung down the tree.

Yes... That was certainly reassuring, but it did confirm that she was taking a liking to him. He would just have to be more careful around her from here on out. Clearly she was one to guard herself against everything. With a soft sigh, Ivan took one look out towards the castle in the distance before following after her. I hope Matthew is doing well. He must be lonely trapped in that room all day...

)*(

Matthew had spent a good part of the day lying curled up on Ivan's bed or sitting on the windowsill. Of all the bad things to happen, coming to the realization that he had reached his second season was the worst. Though it had explained his actions towards the prince as of late. At least now he knew that he had about a five to six month breathing period in between seasons. The whole trip out his body actions could have been read as Stay with me or I like you, but that was without the season. With it, it was more like Mate with me or I want you.

Matthew gave a long sigh of despair; it was going to be even harder to keep himself together this time. Cooped up in a room with only the faintness of Ivan's scent, wood, stone, and the smell of the garden outside. The faded smell and the thoughts that crossed his mind were enough to have his heart aflutter over Ivan. But the guardian would do his best not to lose his self-control in order to keep Ivan from finding out. He couldn't imagine the look on Ivan's face if he told him... it'd be embarrassing too.

The bed was made to look as untouched as it had been left this morning; Matthew made sure of that, but the Prince's return was very brief. Matthew didn't get anything out of him aside from a quick greeting before Ivan had bathed and left dressed in formal dinner attire. Matthew wasn't sure if he felt neglected or proud, because Ivan looked genuinely optimistic and... maybe even like he was becoming happier. Matthew should have laughed, should have teased Ivan, or thrown a pillow at him, but he could barely keep the smile on his face before Ivan had left.

Of course, Ivan returned when night fell as he always did with a plate of food for Matthew. He set it down on the table before the bedroom door was locked. No matter how small of an act locking the door was, it made Matthew feel safer in these scarred walls. But, just how many scars would be added when they left? Both on this castle... and on them.

"How are you Matvey?" Ivan asks as he sits down on his bed to remove his boots.

Matthew turned his head to smile at him. "I'm doing better than yesterday... I think my fear of this place is easing up a little, but only that. How are you? You've been in and out of here quite often today."

"That is good." Ivan smiled back. "I am well. We went for a walk in the garden and then we went horseback riding." He then flopped onto his back, staring unseeingly up at the ceiling as his mind recalled all that had taken place during the horseback ride.

"What did you two talk about today? Anything interesting?" Matthew chuckled as he moved to sit at the table, thinking maybe he could ask for snacks to have throughout the day later.

"Mm, well she told me the name of the city and its meaning."

"Oh?" Matthew frowned as he stared at his plate, suddenly not wanting to eat as if it had just turned into a bog creature and was blinking at him. "I can't believe she told you that. It's sad, isn't it? Almost cruel..."

"Cruel?" Ivan rolled onto his side and propped himself up on one arm to look over at Matthew in surprise. "What makes you say that Matvey? She explained it rather positively."

"Positively? How could anyone think that- well maybe when it was first given it was meant to be held with honor, but now..." He looked defeated; poking at his food with a fork and Ivan couldn't find a reason in his mind that would bring Matthew this far down. "Now it means nothing but fear in most hearts, rage and hatred in others... there is no honor or respect in its name today. Humans and others alike made sure of that a long time ago."

"Matvey, could you explain please? I do not understand. Infitias Fas; she said it means 'To deny fate' and that they do not rely on fate or Gods to control what their lives hold; that they make their lives and the world as they see it. It sounds quite admirable." Ivan then gave him a puzzled look. "I do not understand how that is the same as what you are saying unless you are thinking of a different city."

The fork in the guardian's hand fell and clattered to the plate. Thoughts ran through his mind, none of which were pleasant. "They... they changed it. I-I can't believe they changed it." Matthew suddenly had an overwhelming sense of fear wash over him like a flood. He hadn't wanted to be here before, but now it was even worse. Run, RUN RUN! His nerves screamed at him; muscles tightening to knots as his pulse quickened.

"They changed it?" Ivan sat up and tilted his head slightly, a curious look on his face. "What did it used to be called then?"

"I-Incipio Fas... Immerito." Matthew was starting to tremble, already feeling the pressure of his wings against his back. "It's Incipio Fas Immerito, which means 'To take in hand fate, w-without merit'. T-they mean me..."

"What do you mean by 'they mean you'…?"

"They mean us! Us 'guardians'! This was the first city built and made for the purpose of Incipio Fas Immerito, to be called home by the King of True Vernal himself! B-but it didn't stay that way, people of all races came to move in, and it was fine at the start. After all, that's just how all history goes until someone with power believes something is wrong and takes it into their own hands to do what's right." Matthew was starting to cry a little, seething with rage and yet at the same time petrified. Ivan was swift to get off of the bed, walk over to him, kneel, and then gently pull the boy into an embrace in one fluid motion. He didn't understand, but for the moment he could at least offer Matthew a stronghold to hide in; a secure place to calm him and hopefully put him more at ease.

What Matthew spoke of was all a secret to the rest of the world now; they denied recognizing what had taken place, what was still taking place. Matthew shouldn't even be telling Ivan any of this, but he trusted Ivan. "Our kind was either killed or driven out. Over time, some did come back and people did not bother them. Guardian is just a softer word to help ease people's fears today. N-not that it helps anyways... Now that they changed the name to Infitias Fas, it's like a threat to any guardians that dare come here. Y-yet, here I am." He was in the very city that had ruined everything all those years ago. It was a bit funny, how he just so happened to come right back to it.

Ivan honestly didn't know what to say to any of that. It didn't seem like there would be words that could be said that would just make everything better and free Matthew of his fears. So he just silently held the boy close, and after a few moments, he began softly humming a soothing tune, hoping that just maybe, it would help Matthew, even just a little.

It took many deep breaths and awkward, tearful hiccups before Matthew finally relaxed. "I'm sorry for that confusing outburst. I didn't mean to overreact. I guess I'm not as comfortable here as I thought."

Ivan stroked the boy's hair soothingly. "Do not apologize for it Matvey, it is alright." He went quiet for a moment before adding. "If you would like for me to, I can continue to hold you like this for a while. That is, if it makes you feel any better."

Matthew rested his head comfortably against Ivan's chest. "I'd like that very much." Similar to the night before, Matthew gave Ivan a gentle nuzzle. "You have gotten quite good at comforting others... You can calm me down in only a few moments."

Ivan smiled and gave a sigh of content. "I am just doing what feels… right."

The young man's heart swelled a little. "You are?"

"Yes, I am."

"In what way does it feel right?" Matthew was genuinely curious.

Ivan was silent for a few moments, contemplating how to word it. "I am not sure how to describe it." His hold on Matthew grows ever so slightly. "It just feels…right to want to calm you." His voice then dropped to a murmur. "Though I am mostly just doing what elder sister used to do to calm me when I was small."

Matthew chuckled with a small smile, nuzzling his head affectionately against the man's shoulder. "I'd like to meet this sister of yours someday."

"Perhaps when I return to Solstice you can come with us and meet her then?"

"I would love to, but... I have been away from home so long this year. I would have to spend some time with the villagers and my crops beforehand. I did lose a lot to the vampires."

"Ah, of course…" Ivan says with a slight nod. It wasn't often that Matthew's status was mentioned and as a result, the prince often forgot that his companion was a peasant, a commoner, and not a noble. Matthew had to work quite hard to have a pleasant life style.

"I should eat something before we head off to bed." Matthew reluctantly crawled out of the man's welcoming arms and back onto his chair. "But... I'll see her at the wedding, right?"

Standing up slowly, Ivan stretched himself a little. "Yes, both of my sisters will be there."

"Do they like to dance?" He asked as he looked halfheartedly at his food before forcing himself to eat some of it.

"They do; especially my younger sister." The man replies with a soft smile. "When I was visiting home a while back, I found her there keeping an eye on the place for me. I indulged her a little before I left, treating her to a dance. She was ecstatic to say the least."

"You don't talk about her often, mainly your older sister. Why's that? Not much in common between you two?"

Ivan's smile withered a little. "Ah, well… she is my half sister but—" A rather forced sounding laugh left his lips. "She is rather insistent on being my bride. She has wanted to be my bride since we were little. Neither my elder sister nor I had the heart to tell her it wasn't possible when she was little and it got more than a little out of hand as a result." He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "She really is a sweet girl and she tries so hard to do things that please me, but we are related by blood and I simply can not have her as a wife."

"I understand." Matthew said kindly and that was the end of it.

)*(

After they had both gotten ready for bed, Ivan turned to look at him. "Matvey…?"

"Yes Ivan?"

"I know you are not comfortable with staying in this place, even less so now that you know of the renaming of it." He starts slowly. "It is not much to offer, but you may sleep with me tonight if it will ease your fears any."

Matthew looked at Ivan with wide eyes for a moment before moving over to him like an owl to mice and giving him a big hug. "Thank you."

Ivan smiled softly and hugged him back. "You are welcome Matvey."

Both pulled away to climb into bed and nestle under the covers. The prince's bed was nicer than Matthew's anyways, larger and softer. Ivan pulled the covers up over them both and just as Matthew was closing his eyes, he spoke again. "Matvey, you may curl up next to me like we did when I was unwell if you would like to." He offers, closing his eyes and letting Matthew decide what he wanted to do. "Whatever puts you most at ease is alright with me."

Matthew was in shock once again, his eyes wide once more. While it normally wasn't that big of a deal, right at this moment, everything, everything, just abruptly felt different. "Are you really alright with that?"

Ivan peeked his eyes open to smile at Matthew softly. "Yes. I would not be offering if I was not alright with it Matvey."

The guardian didn't move at first, but when the prince lifted his arm a little, inviting his friend in closer, how could he say no? "I-I would like that very much, thank you Ivan."

"You are welcome Matvey." Ivan replies, closing his eyes once more and loosely wrapping an arm around the boy's waist, gently resting chest to chest with him. "Good night Matvey, sweet dreams."

Sweet dreams indeed. "To you as well Ivan." And with that, the pair closed their eyes, listening and feeling every breath of the other as they fell asleep.

)*(

Walking with the princess indoors, Ivan was admiring the architecture of the palace. "Such unique designs." He comments upon their passing of another statue with magnificently carved wings. "Were all of these here before your mother's side of the family arrived or are they recent additions?" He tilted his head curiously. "All of the… angels, I mean." The way he said angels made it sound like a bit of a question, like he wasn't positive if the winged decorations were meant to be angels or not.

She gave a small nod. "Most were here before my family came here and some have been added over the years."

"Interesting." He smiles. "Are they meant to be angels or something else?"

"It does not matter, call them what you want. Angels or not, they look the same." She gave a small smile, though didn't seemed very interested on talking about differences.

"Yes, you are right." He says with a nod. After a moment, he asked something that had been in the back of his mind for a day or two. "Out of curiosity, is your father here or out travelling? I have been here a few days and have yet to see the king of the castle."

"Oh..." Khutulun's expression saddened, making clear that a pained memory had come to mind. "My father died in battle three years ago."

The prince's expression went from curious to remorseful in mere moments. "I am sorry for your loss. And I sincerely apologize for bringing it up Princess."

"No. It is fine, you would have asked sometime. Everyone does." The princess was quiet for a moment. "May I ask you a question Prince Ivan?" There were still a few things that she wished to know.

"Of course Princess. What is it that you wish to ask me?"

"What do you think of the statues?"

"What do I think of them?" He repeats, tilting his head in thought for a moment before answering. "The ones in the throne room are unique in that they have real feathers instead of having them carved. They look like angels, and a few have an almost lifelike quality to them, however… while they look angelic they do not give off a…" Words faltered and he stopped speaking, frowning in thought for mere moments before his expression returned to normal and he continued. "They do not give off the same spiritual or religious feeling that some get from images or statues of angels with halos and other holy indicators. The feeling is more… natural, I suppose, and mortal instead of holy and immortal."

"You are right, they do have a more, as you put it, natural feel." She replied with a big smile. "Would you like a statue of your own like the ones in the throne room?"

The overture was unexpected, but a pleasant surprise and Ivan accepted the offer. "That would be wonderful. Though I am not sure where I would put them as of the moment. One of the warmer rooms away from the side of the castle that faces the sea, I think. Otherwise I fear the cold and damp air would treat the feathers quite poorly."

"I could see that one is crafted for your own particular tastes, or would you like to take one of the ones that is in the throne room?"

"I think I would prefer one made. I do not wish to take the ones that suit the throne room so nicely and make it uneven." He chuckled a bit. "Although it does not have to be made right away. It is not as if I can take it home with just a horse."

With the latter, she agreed. "Oh no, it would be too troublesome for just a single horse. But to have one made, as much as an honor it is—" Her lips turned down in an irritated frown. "It would take time to gather the right material, such quality is scarce. Therefore I cannot guarantee the length it would take. Nevertheless, it shall be done.

Yet, know that you may still take one of ours, or pick two if you are so concerned with symmetry. We will not be bothered by it I assure you, we'd be more than happy to share them with someone who actually appreciates them." The smile was quick to return to her face. "And besides, in about ten years my family will have more made to fill the spots. We want them to be all throughout the castle."

"If you are truly certain, then I will just pick two." Ivan says with a smile. "And an admirable goal you share, especially when they take so long to be made."

Her smile couldn't have gotten any brighter as she looked up at him. "Do you wholeheartedly believe that Prince Ivan?"

"Yes, I do, Princess Khutulun."

"Come, come!" She grabbed onto the cuff of his sleeve and began to hurry them to the throne room. Within her mind, she was bewildered by this find that had only waltzed onto her doorstep no more than a week ago. Perhaps she had finally found a man that would be worthy of her? "You can pick them out now."

He chuckled and smiled at her enthusiasm, seeing a bit of the child side of her was still connected. It was both a good and bad thing, the bad one Ivan was trying to keep out of mind. While it was not at all uncommon for Kings and Queens to be ten years apart, it was not something he was looking for, and was a bit unsettling.

When they reached the throne room, the winter prince looked each of the statues up and down, considering which two he liked the most. It was an uneven mix of female and male angels in the room. Only one had black wings, the others were mixes of different shades of brown, some even had a few darker stripes along the feathers, and then there was a pair with soft gold wings. They were all beautiful. All the while, Princess Khutulun just happily stood by as she looked over all the statues with him, practically glowing with pride.

Ivan viewed each one carefully, though he seemed to quickly pass the ones with brown wings. He was drawn over to the male with black wings; it bore the engravings of a river with fish leaping in and out of it in great splashes. He stood studying it for a long moment before drifting over to study the golden pair, looking back and forth between the two golden ones with a thoughtful expression. The male had roses dancing across his skin while the female had an enchanting design of flames. "I believe I like these two the best." He says at length, pointing first to the male with black wings, and then to the male with golden wings.

"A wonderful choice. I'll be sure to have them carefully brought to your home in Solstice." She says, happily looking over his choices before smiling at Ivan.

Ivan smiled back, pleased with this outcome. "Thank you Princess, your generosity is very much appreciated."

"Say no more, I am pleased that you have taken an interest." Then her eyes looked away as she thought for a moment. "Perhaps... this may work out after all."

"What may, Princess Khutulun?" He asks with a soft, knowing smile.

"That us taking up wedlock together might be a grand idea. But, there are still some things I wish to learn about you before I fully make my decision." Her voice was calm and she held a thoughtful look. However, she still needed to see this man's skills in things other than just archery.

"Well, what do you still wish to know?"

"I need to know that your size is not your only asset in a fight. I do not wish to be with a man who relies too much on one form of attack, defense, or skill." Her voice was a little firm as she began to walk towards the exit of the throne room, knowing full well that Ivan was following behind.

"Ah, I see. I admire your priorities, Princess Khutulun." Ivan complements. "I can say that I do not rely heavily on one form. While I prefer my sword, I also am skilled with smaller blades and knives. And though archery is a fine sport, I do not tend to use it much for battle. It is no secret that each person is better at something than others are. I have no problem using whatever is available at the time as I am fairly adaptable weapon wise. I will also fight with my bare hands if necessary."

"And how do you fare with horseback combat?" Her voice practically chimed. There was no doubt that this girl had a thing for horses, combat or otherwise.

"I fare quite well on horseback." He replies before asking a question of his own. "What is your opinion on using magic in battle?"

"It is handy, but I prefer to use it for other methods if I can bear it. Why do ask? Do you have a liking to use it in battle, Prince Ivan?"

"No, I do not believe it has much of a place on the battlefield." Ivan chuckled a bit. "I have limited control over ice, but I do not normally use it in battle. It wastes too much energy on usually ineffective things. I am better off using a weapon or my bare hands even. I do not generally use it unless I have run out of all other options. It is a last resort, so to speak."

"Ah, so we are almost on the same grounds on thoughts of the battlefield." She was very pleased by what she was hearing from the large man. "I will not rush on this yet, but I may take up your offer to be your Queen. Thus far, you have proven yourself to be of your word and I hope I have to mine."

"I am glad you are considering my offer so thoroughly Princess." He gives her a pleased smile. "I would be delighted to have you as my Queen if you choose to accept my offer."

)*(

Matthew did what he had the day before; spent most of his time in Ivan's bed, closing his eyes only to picture the man beside him. The reasons that had come to light eased his concern and he was no longer bothered with his actions that were left unseen. The first one was obvious now, whereas the other was him being in need of comfort. He was feeling very weak, though it was his own fault for being this way. The guardian hadn't spread his wings the whole day, nor when he had slept with Ivan, and not even for a good portion of the day before. The magic was draining away, possibly along with his so-called will. If only...

As much as he wanted to stay curled up in Ivan's bed with more than one of the man's shirts, Matthew would rather not be caught in such an embarrassing act. So with the bed made and Ivan's clothing returned to its rightful place, Matthew sat next to the window once more as he waited for the prince to return. It wouldn't be long anyways.

And what Matthew could only assume was on time, Ivan returned after dinner with a plate for him as always, locking the door behind him and setting the plate on their little table. "Hello Matvey." He says smiling happily. "How are you?"

"I am well, just a little tired. You seem to be even happier today though. Care to share?" He asks as he stands to greet him, half glancing at the meal for the night.

"We are on the same grounds of thought concerning the battlefield. She also gave me a very generous gift." Ivan says, slipping off his boots and coming over to stand by Matthew at the window. "But the best part is that she said she may take me up on my offer for her to be my bride!" He beamed at Matthew happily, watching as the guardian's eyes widened in great surprise. That was definitely something to be happy over!

"U-unbelievable, I-I mean I knew you'd find someone, but now that it is actually happening- Oh south winds, you did it Ivan!" Matthew grinned and jumped into Ivan, both embracing the other with a shared joy. Ivan was so happy; he actually lifted the boy off of his feet a little before setting him back down.

"I have not done it yet Matvey. But I am so close that I can not help but be excited by the thought of it."

"Nonsense, what reason would she have to deny you after that? To say that, spend all those days with only you, and then change her mind? That would have to be the maddest princess I've ever heard of." Meanwhile Matthew remained in the room with nothing but Ivan's bed and clothes for company… But even with everything that was going on within him, Ivan finding a wife was still more important to Matthew. At least that was what he was telling himself, whether or not he believed it was only for him to figure out.

"Yes, yes, I know. But still, I can not say I have done it until she has accepted my offer." Ivan grinned. "She was really quite pleased when I accepted her generous gift." He added as an afterthought.

"I'm sure she will, she is just testing your patience." Matthew laughed lightly.

"Possibly." Ivan laughed softly. "You dinner is on the table. You should eat it before it gets cold."

"Yes, yes, whatever you say dear." Matthew says mockingly before releasing the hug and walking to the table to eat, laughing along his way. "Oh, the names the two of you will come up with once you're settled."

Ivan laughed and sat down across from him shortly after. "What do you mean Matvey?"

"Well I've seen more than enough couples come through my door to know that every single one, even arranged marriage couples, have a large assortment of names that they call one another. Some they favor more than most." Matthew all but grinned at the man across from him, twirling a fork in one hand.

Ivan chuckled softly. "Ah, I see." He looked off towards the window with a thoughtful expression for a while. He didn't speak again until after Matthew had finished eating. "Hmm, I wonder where I will put her gifts at home though..." He hums, thinking aloud.

Matthew gave a soft laugh and a roll of his eyes to tease. "Alright, alright, what did she give you? You obviously want me to ask."

"We had been discussing the statues and she offered to let me pick out two from the throne room to be sent home."

"Awfully big gifts statues are, wouldn't you say? And how are you getting these heavy items back to your home? Is she the one sending them or are you responsible?" Royals, always with the dramatic gifts. Wouldn't an ordainment or jewelry work just as well? It's the thought that counts right?

"She is sending them. I am not sure where to put them though. I do not want the cold damp sea air to damage the wings on them since she gifted me with the ones with actual feathers instead of the all stone ones."

"Feathered ones?" Matthew tilted his head slightly; he didn't recall any with real feathers, though he didn't recall much from their first day here. He had been too frightened to admire anything or even look about more than needed.

"Yes, the statues in the throne room. All of the wings on the ones in there are made of real feathers instead of being carved from stone."

"Oh... That does sound lovely." He smiled a little, still trying to recall, but gave up after a while.

"Mhmm, there are both male and female statues. Many have some shade of brown for wings, a pair of them have golden wings, and one of the male ones have black wings."

"If I wasn't so nervous... I might actually want to see them, but I'll see them before your wedding night at the castle anyways. And I bet they'd look better at your palace than here." Matthew said softly with a smirk.

"I may put them in the throne room in my own castle that way I will see them often but I am not sure yet." Ivan smiled. "Would you like to know which two I picked out?"

"Hmm, I don't know. It is tempting." He said playfully as he pretended like he really couldn't decide. "A surprise... or no surprise. Hm..."

Ivan pouted a little, obviously noticing that the boy's actions and words were false. "Do not tease Matvey."

"I don't mean to be, Ivan. I'm just being playful, you know?" Matthew gave him a reassuring smile.

The prince dropped his pout to return to a smile. "I know, but just tell me your answer, alright?"

"Alright, tell me. Which ones did you pick?"

His smile was more of a grin now and it just reminded Matthew that a part of Ivan was a little childish at times. "The male with the black wings and the male with the golden wings."

"And why did you pick those two?"

"Well the one with the black wings is a good opposite of the other one and it seemed to balance out nicely. As for the one with the gold wings, I nearly picked the female one instead of the male so it would be a set of one male and one female."

"Why didn't you? It would make an even greater balance between them if that was what you were looking for." Matthew asked with a puzzled expression.

"It would but... it was not what I was looking for." Ivan says looking down and playing with the ends of his scarf a bit. His reason seemed a bit silly and childish to him suddenly, even though he had been eager to share with Matthew just moments ago.

"Then what were you looking for?"

"I was not really looking for anything… the gold wings are just similar to yours Matvey… I chose the male with the golden wings instead of the female because it made me think of you…" He says, his voice dropping to a murmur. "I picked it so I could have something to remind me of you after you have gone home and I have returned to Solstice." Both men faintly blushed at this decree; it honestly was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture, a gift in itself. Ivan tugged his scarf up to hide his blush, keeping his eyes on where he was fidgeting with the ends of his scarf. He felt rather foolish for having such a reason for choosing one statue over the other, but it was his reason nonetheless. And as Matthew watched Ivan become bashful over his reasons, the guardian honestly didn't know what to say in response. Or... maybe he didn't have to?

Without thinking much on it, the guardian leaned forward, avoiding his plate by using his arms to support him as he moved over the small table; he closed his eyes and placed a soft kiss on the man's forehead. Ivan inhaled sharply in surprise at the lips touching his forehead, his eyes widening a little. The kiss lingered for only a moment before Matthew retreated enough to break contact. "Thank you..." It was all he could say after that.

Ivan was almost certain his own blush was now visible above the scarf that hid part of his face. "What for…?" He asks tentatively after a few moments, unsure why exactly he was being thanked.

"Just... thank you." Matthew could understand how it was confusing, but it was all he could really say. Anything more and he'd be telling Ivan what he had been hiding from him for so long. His face was red from his actions, but he couldn't bring himself to regret it and he stayed there, just looking at him with a soft, caring expression. He didn't love Ivan... no, not yet, if he would give himself a little more time… But he was fine with this. Yes, it had to be; this closeness to him was enough, asking for more would just be a selfish act.

"Oh... you are welcome then?" Ivan seemed a bit confused still but didn't press the matter further. After a minute or two he tugged down his scarf enough so Matthew could see the soft smile he was giving him. His face was still pink but he didn't pull away even though Matthew's face was still quite close to his own.

A moment or more passed and they just watched as they smiled at each other. Matthew's eyes slowly dropped a little and he managed to lean a little closer as Ivan found himself holding his breath without meaning too. Ivan's eyes were locked on Matthew's face, unsure exactly what the boy was planning to do. Well… he had a fairly good idea, but he was confused on why Matthew seemed to be leaning in to do it. By now, the guardian was almost close enough to feel Ivan's lips. Maybe... just maybe, he could try something. Even if he thought it was wrong and selfish.

He leaned in a little more, the table softly creaking under his weight. Just as he was about to go through with it, he held any thoughts back that would stop him and closed his eyes. Though before contact could be made with the other man's lips, the table gave out and fell, the guardian going down along with it. As the plate went flying off the surface, it shattered as it hit the floor; the leftover food flying off in odd directions as the silverware rang like chimes with every bounce. The young man's face ended up in Ivan's lap; it sure was a wake-up call for the guardian. The thoughts he had held back flooded in like a swarm, but he was too overly embarrassed to get them in order to say anything coherently. "O-ow..."

Ivan winced at how loud the ringing seemed to him but his attention was quickly returned to Matthew due to where the boy had landed. "A-are you alright Matvey?" He asks, setting Matthew upright.

"I-I'm fine, I-I didn't think... t-the table would give out like that." He mumbled awkwardly, choking on fake laughter, but made no movement to lift his head to look at Ivan.

"That is good." Ivan responds, looking at the mess on the floor for a moment before moving to clean it up. He wanted a distraction, not wanting to think about what had just transpired. Or do I...?